Transportation and installation assist device for at least one pre-cast concrete tilt panel

ABSTRACT

A transportation and installation assist device ( 16 ) for at least one pre-cast concrete tilt panel ( 18 ). The panel(s) ( 18 ) are generally rectangular and have a first shorter end ( 44 ) with at least one lifting anchor therein, a second opposed shorter end ( 48 ) and a longitudinal axis ( 50 ) therebetween. The device ( 16 ) includes at least one frame ( 20 ) adapted to releasably engage an associated one of said panel(s) ( 18 ) substantially adjacent the second end ( 48 ) and support the panel ( 18 ) in a loading/transport orientation with the face of the associated panel ( 18 ) substantially vertical and said axis(es) ( 50 ) substantially horizontal. The frame ( 20 ) is also adapted for pivotal mounting to a table bed ( 14 ) of a truck ( 10 ) or trailer ( 12 ). The frame ( 20 ) and associated panel ( 18 ) pivot together when the first panel end ( 44 ) is lifted above the second panel end ( 48 ) until the associated panel ( 18 ) is in a releasing orientation with the face of the panel ( 18 ) substantially vertical and said axis ( 50 ) substantially vertical. Further lifting of the first panel end ( 44 ) releases the panel ( 18 ) from said frame ( 20 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportation and installation assist device for at least one pre-cast concrete tilt panel and has been primarily developed for use in conveying large pre-cast concrete tilt panels from a factory manufacturing site to an installation site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Buildings constructed from concrete panels fall broadly into two categories, namely those constructed using tilt-up concrete panels and those using pre-cast concrete panels.

[0003] Tilt-up concrete panels are cast on site, usually on the concrete slab which will eventually form the floor of the finished building. The panels are formed individually, often being stacked cast when the dimensions of individual panels permit. The organisation of this process requires much planning as the cast must reflect the appropriate lifting order of the panels. The casting of panels on site is a labour intensive endeavour and is subject to usual on site problems. Once cured, the panels are lifted into place by use of a crane which is attached to lifting anchors cast into the panels. The panels are lifted from their horizontal as cast position to their final vertical position and during this process the stresses induced in the panel are often those governing the extent of reinforcement required in the panel.

[0004] Pre cast concrete panels, by comparison, eliminate many of these on site problems by casting individual panels in a factory environment. Once cured, the panels are rotated on a casting bed through 90° from the horizontal position so the panel is lying along its major axis. An overhead crane then lifts the panel from its casting bed, using lifting anchors cast into the panel, and places the panel onto a flat bed truck for transport to site. On site, a crane is used to lift the panel into position as a part of a wall of a building. The size of pre-cast panels are restricted by transport requirements and, as such, they are usually a lot smaller than tilt up panels cast on-site and are generally not large enough to support a roof structure.

[0005] From the above it can be seen that larger panels are normally cast on site as they are too large and heavy to transport whilst smaller panels are pre-cast and then transported to site and erected. It would be economically advantageous to be able to pre-cast larger panels. However, to lift a large panel from a transport truck, the panel has to be spun from its transporting position (laying on one long side) to its installation position (standing vertical). One known way of achieving this is to use a crane with a complicated spinning rig. Another method is to use two cranes. Both methods are time consuming, expensive and can be dangerous to operators.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a transportation and installation assist device for at least one pre-cast concrete tilt panel,

[0008] said panel(s) being generally rectangular and having a first shorter end with at least one lifting anchor therein, a second opposed shorter end and a longitudinal axis therebetween,

[0009] said device including at least one frame adapted to releasably engage an associated one of said panel(s) substantially adjacent said second end and support said panel in a loading/transport orientation with the face of said associated panel substantially vertical and said axis substantially horizontal, said frame being adapted for pivotal mounting to a table bed of a truck or trailer,

[0010] wherein said frame(s) and said associated panel(s) pivot together when the first panel end is lifted above the second panel end until said associated panel is in a releasing orientation with the face of said panel substantially vertical and said axis substantially vertical whereafter further lifting of said first panel end releases said panel from said frame.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a truck or trailer table bed adapted for transportation and installation assisting of at least one concrete panel,

[0012] said panel(s) being generally rectangular and having a first shorter end with at least one lifting anchor therein, a second opposed shorter end and a longitudinal axis therebetween,

[0013] said table bed including at least one frame adapted to releasably engage an associated one of said panel(s) substantially adjacent said second end and support said panel in an orientation with the face of said associated panel substantially vertical and said axis substantially horizontal, said frame being pivotally mounting to said table bed,

[0014] wherein said frame(s) and said associated panel(s) pivot together when the first panel end is lifted above the second panel end until said associated panel is in an orientation with the face of said panel substantially vertical and said axis substantially vertical whereafter further lifting of said first panel end releases said panel from said frame.

[0015] The device preferably further includes a plurality of said frames.

[0016] The frame(s) preferably include first and second right angled arms each adapted to respectively engage a portion of the second end and an adjacent longer end, wherein said frame(s) is/are pivotally mounted to the table bed adjacent the join of the pair of arms.

[0017] The first and second arms are desirably generally I-shaped in cross-section.

[0018] The device preferably further includes at least one support bracket adapted for mounting to the table bed in a position able to engage the first end of an associated panel in the loading/transport orientation.

[0019] The frame(s) desirably pivot about a shaft adapted for mounting to the table bed.

[0020] In one form, the frame(s) is/are directly pivotally mounted to the table bed and the bracket(s) is/are directly mounted to the table bed.

[0021] In another form, the frame(s) is/are directly pivotally mounted to a first base structure, the first base structure being fixed to the rearward end of the table bed and the bracket(s) is/are directly mounted to a second base structure, the second base structure being fixed to the frontward end of the table bed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a prime-mover and trailer with an embodiment of a transportation and installation assist device according to the invention mounted thereto;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a rear end view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 3 is an enlarged front upper perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 4 is an enlarged front lower perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a rear upper perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 6 is an enlarged front upper perspective view of the frame of the device shown in FIG. 1; and

[0029]FIG. 7 is a rear upper enlarged detailed view of the bracket of the device shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring to the drawings, firstly FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a prime mover 10 attached to a trailer 12 with a table bed 14. An embodiment of a transportation and installation assist device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 16, is mounted to the table bed 14. The device 16 is used to assist in the transportation and installation of up to seven precast concrete panels 18, of which four are shown in the drawings, namely 18 a to 18 d.

[0031] The device 16 has seven frames 20 a to 20 g which are each pivotally mounted to a rearward base platform 21 which is itself fixed to the trailer bed 14. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the frames 20 a to 20 g are directly pivotally mounted to the trailer bed 14. Each frame 20 a to 20 g is comprised of first 22 a and second 22 b right angled arms formed from welded steel columns, preferably those designated 200UC. A cross brace 24, preferably made from an angled steel section, is welded between the distal ends of the arms 22 a, 22 b.

[0032] As best seen in FIG. 6, the arms 22 a, 22 b are welded at their join to a cylindrical portion 26 which pivots about a shaft 28. The shaft 28 is located by bearing blocks 30 attached to the rearward base structure 21. The distal end of each of the arms 22 a, 22 b also include welded extension pieces 32 formed from steel plate.

[0033] An optional hinged support 34 is pivotally connected at each end between the underside of each of the frames 20 and the end of the support structure 22 remote the shaft 28. A two way pneumatic cylinder 36 is pivotally connected between each of the supports 34 and the platform 22.

[0034] The device 16 also includes a forward base support 38 to which is mounted seven support brackets 40 a to 40 g, also formed from 200UC. Each of the brackets 40 a to 40 g are respectively longitudinally aligned with each of the frames 20 a to 20 g. The rearward end of the brackets 40 a to 40 g also include welded extension pieces 42 similar to the pieces 32 provided on the frame arms 22 a, 22 b. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the brackets 40 a to 40 g are directly mounted to the trailer bed 14.

[0035] The panels 18 c to 18 d are generally rectangular and have a first shorter end 44 with a pair of lifting anchors 46 cast therein (see FIG. 3). A second shorter end 48 opposes the first shorter end 44 and a longitudinal axis 50 extends therebetween.

[0036] The frames 20 are able to pivot about the shaft 28 between a loading/transport orientation in which the first arm 22 a of the frame is substantially horizontal and the second arm 22 b of the frame is substantially vertical (see frames 20 c to g in FIG. 2) and a releasing orientation in which the first arm 22 a of the frame is substantially vertical and the second arm 22 b of the frame is substantially horizontal (see frame 20 a of FIG. 2).

[0037] The operation of the device 16 will now be described. Before loading the concrete panels 18 into the device 16, the frames 20 are all initially placed in the loading/transport orientation. A work shop crane is then used to lower the panels 18 into the frames/brackets 20/40 in the loading/transport orientation with the face of the panels 18 being substantially vertical and the axes 50 being substantially horizontal (see panels 18 c and 18 d). Load straps are then placed around the panels 18 to assist in retaining them adjacent the frames/brackets 20/40 in this orientation during transportation. The extension pieces 32/42 also assist in locating and retaining the panels 18 adjacent the frames/brackets 20/40, in particular during any flexure of the trailer bed 14. Once at site, the lifting anchors 46 are attached to a crane (not shown) by a chain 52 (see FIG. 3) and the crane used to raise the first end 44 of one of the concrete panels 18 above its second end 48. This causes the panel 18 to tilt and pivot about the shaft 28 (see panel 18 b of FIG. 3) until the panel 18 is pivoted to a releasing orientation in which the axis 50 is substantially vertical (see panel 18 a of FIG. 3). Further lifting of the panel 18 causes it to release from the frame 20 whereafter it can be manoeuvred by the crane into the desired construction position.

[0038] If the optional hinged support 34 is used, then the cylinder 36 can be energised to drive the frames 20 between the two orientations described above before or after loading or releasing. Further, venting the air in the cylinder 36 through a suitable restriction during tilting of the panel 18 has a desirable dampening/shock absorbing effect on the panel movement.

[0039] The invention provides a relatively quick, safe and cost effective device that allows large precast tilt panels to be transported and then manoeuvred for installation on a building site. The invention also obviates the expense of maintaining site costs during construction of tilt-up panels. The invention also allows use of pre-cast panels large enough to support a roof structure.

[0040] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, the frames 20, brackets 40, and extension pieces 32/42 can be modified to provide a clamping effect to suit panels 18 of varying thicknesses. Also, a hinged support leg can be added to the distal end of the arm 22 b which swings into contact with the ground when the frame 20 is in the releasing orientation to present excessive rotation of the frame 20. 

1. A transportation and installation assist device for at least one pre-cast concrete tilt panel, said panel(s) being generally rectangular and having a first shorter end with at least one lifting anchor therein, a second opposed shorter end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, said device including at least one frame adapted to releasably engage an associated one of said panel(s) substantially adjacent said second end and support said associated panel in a loading/transport orientation with the face of said associated panel substantially vertical and said axis(es) substantially horizontal, said frame being adapted for pivotal mounting to a table bed of a truck or trailer, wherein said frame(s) and said associated panel(s) pivot together when the first panel end is lifted above the second panel end until said associated panel is in a releasing orientation with the face of said panel substantially vertical and said axis substantially vertical whereafter further lifting of said first panel end releases said panel from said frame.
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, further including a plurality of said frames.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said frame(s) include first and second right angled arms each adapted to respectively engage a portion of the second end and an adjacent longer end, wherein said frame(s) is/are pivotally mounted to the table bed adjacent the join of the pair of arms.
 4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first and second arms are generally I-shaped in cross-section.
 5. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including at least one support bracket adapted for mounting to the table bed in a position able to engage the first end of an associated panel in the loading/transport orientation.
 6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the frame(s) pivot about a shaft adapted for mounting to the table bed.
 7. The device as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the frame(s) is/are directly pivotally mounted to the table bed.
 8. The device as claimed in any one of claims 5, 6 or 7, wherein the bracket(s) is/are directly mounted to the table bed.
 9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the frame(s) is/are directly pivotally mounted to a first base structure, said first base structure being fixed to the rearward end of the table bed.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bracket(s) is/are directly mounted to a second base structure, said second base structure being fixed to the frontward end of the table bed.
 11. A truck or trailer table bed adapted for transportation and installation assisting of at least one concrete panel, said panel(s) being generally rectangular and having a first shorter end with at least one lifting anchor therein, a second opposed shorter end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, said table bed including at least one frame adapted to releasably engage an associated one of said panel(s) substantially adjacent said second end and support said panel in an orientation with the face of said associated panel substantially vertical and said axis substantially horizontal, said frame being pivotally mounting to said table bed, wherein said frame(s) and said associated panel(s) pivot together when the first panel end is lifted above the second panel end until said associated panel is in an orientation with the face of said panel substantially vertical and said axis substantially vertical whereafter further lifting of said first panel end releases said panel from said frame.
 12. The bed as claimed in claim 11, further including a plurality of said frames.
 13. The bed as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein said frame(s) include first and second right angled arms each adapted to respectively engage a portion of the second end and an adjacent longer end, wherein said frame(s) is/are pivotally mounted to the table bed adjacent the join of the pair of arms.
 14. The bed as claimed in claim 13, wherein said first and second arms are generally I-shaped in cross-section.
 15. The bed as claimed in any one of the claims 11 to 14, further including at least one support bracket slidably mounted to the table bed in a position able to engage the first end of an associated panel in the loading/transport orientation.
 16. The bed as claimed in any one of the claims 11 to 15, wherein the frame(s) pivot about a shaft adapted for mounting to the table bed.
 17. The bed as claimed in any one of the claims 11 to 16, wherein the frame(s) is/are directly pivotally mounted to the table bed.
 18. The bed as claimed in any one of claims 15, 16 or 17, wherein the bracket(s) is/are directly mounted to the table bed.
 19. The bed as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the frame(s) is/are directly pivotally mounted to a first base structure, said first base structure being fixed to the rearward end of the table bed.
 20. The bed as claimed in any one of claim 19, wherein the bracket(s) is/are directly mounted to a second base structure, said second base structure being fixed to the frontward end of the table bed.
 21. A transportation and installation assist device for at least one pre-cast concrete tilt panel, said device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
 22. A truck or trailer table bed adapted for transportation and installation assisting of at least one pre-cast concrete tilt panel, said bed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 